Charla's eyes widened, heightened senses alerting her to act as the boy fell to the earth below. Louis continued to plummet, now midway through his descent. Taki took cover as Charla launched herself into the air, heading for Louis, arms outstretched.

Louis' vertical descent quickly switched to a horizontal flight as Charla smashed into him, wrapping the boy against her chest. She flipped her wings and began a spiral glide towards safety.

Even as they landed, Louis continued to scream, unaware of his rescue. Taki, Totodile and Liza ran over to Charla and Louis. Charla looked at the boy, confused.

"Hey!" called Taki.

"You're on the ground," added Totodile.

Louis opened his eyes and stopped screaming.

"...I'm alive?" he questioned.

"Of course you are," replied Charla.

Louis, visibly shaken, took deep breaths to settle himself.

"What was that bright light?" asked Taki.

Before Louis could answer, he noticed that his right hand was clenched shut. He slowly opened it up, and discovered that the two crystal shards had fused together.

"Whoa," said Louis. "They combined!"

Liza looked at the now conjoined pieces of crystal.

"That's what you were looking for?" she asked. "You nearly died for that."

A sudden realisation paled Liza's face.

"If it's this important to you, it might be just as important to someone else," she continued. "You need to keep moving."

A sense of urgency flowed through Louis, Taki and Totodile.

"That's right!" said Taki.

"The chief said that someone was trying to end the tribe. So, if we're not quick enough, it's all over."

Louis realised the amount of danger that was present in their situation.

Soon, the group was about to leave the valley. They waved to Liza and Charla as they got further away.

"Good luck you three…" called Liza.

"...and thank you!"

"You're welcome!" replied Louis.

Darkness began to surround the trio as they trudged onward into the night. Behind them, the valley began to fade away and so did Totodile.

"Totodile?" said Taki, glancing over her shoulder.

The small Pokémon's eyes were shut tight as it staggered forward, stumbling. Taki walked over and picked it up.

"She's exhausted," said Taki.

Louis suddenly felt his fatigue begin to take over, growing weary.

"You know what? So am I," he yawned.

Soon, the camp was set up and Taki again prepped some plates of steamed rice.

"Sorry. I don't know how to cook anything else," she said, handing him a serving.

"That's ok," replied Louis.

"Maybe next time, I can help make some curry," he offered.

They ate in silence, each savouring every mouthful of food. Eventually, Taki spoke.

"You really like curry, don't you?"

"Of course I do," answered Louis, grinning. "It's my favourite."

Totodile stirred on Taki's foot, using her shoe as a pillow. Taki smiled, as the pair finished their meal. Soon, Louis laid in his sleeping bag as thoughts of the day began to wash over him.

The tribe…

The valley…

The crystal…

...FALLING!

Louis jolted up and shook his head to clear the thoughts. Eventually, his weariness took hold of him and he fell, again, into a restless slumber.

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